Qatar whistleblower withdraws bribery allegations against three FIFA members

The 'whistleblower' who accused the Qatar 2022 World Cup bid of corruption has withdrawn the allegations and has apologised for telling 'lies'.

Phaedra Al Majid, a former international media officer for Qatar 2022, said she had fabricated the claims as revenge for losing her job.

She had named FIFA members Issa Hayatou, Jacques Anouma and Amos Adamu as having received bribes - and these claims were repeated in Parliament in a culture, media and sport select committee hearing.

Accused: Issa Hayatou was alleged to have taken a bribe in connection with Qatar's 2022 World Cup bid

Al Majid stated she had not been subjected to any pressure by Qatar 2022 or paid to retract her claims.

She said in a statement: 'I wish to offer a full and formal apology for the fabricated allegations concerning the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup bid committee and FIFA executive committee members Issa Hayatou, Jacques Anouma and Amos Adamu.

'I have lied about all facts concerning the behaviour and practice of the Qatar 2022 bid.

Allegation: Amos Adamu was also named by Phaedra Al Majid as having been involved in alleged corruption

'Never, at any time, were any bribes even offered, suggested or paid on behalf of the Qatar 2022 bid during any time in exchange for votes from Issa Hayatou, Jacques Anouma, and Amos Adamu.

'These allegations were in full a fabrication on my behalf.'

Al Majid added that she did not foresee her claims ending up in a Parliamentary committee.